Oleg Melnikov has been detained in Kyiv, Ukraine. (Photo: Interpol.)

TBILISI, DFWatch — Police in Ukraine have detained a former Georgian interior ministry official, who was announced wanted by Interpol and is sentenced to preliminary detention.

Oleg Melnikov was detained in Kiev on grounds of information provided by Interpol Georgia. According to the Interior Ministry, Melnikov was detained in Kiev. He was announced wanted on December 5.

He is charged with abuse of powers. His past actions caused violation of human rights. The case dates back to 2005, and also involves Tako Salakaya, fiancé of Vano Merabishvili, former Interior Minister. A policeman was beaten allegedly by mistake. According to new material released by the prosecutor’s office, Oleg Melnikov might be involved in one of the most controversial cases during Saakashvili’s government – the murder of Sandro Girgvliani in 2006. https://dfwatch.net/georgia-turns-to-interpol-in-hunt-for-torturers-30465

The Central Bureau of Interpol has already sent a dossier to Ukraine with the required documentation regarding the extradition of the suspect.

Oleg Melnikov was charged together with two other Interior Ministry officials – Soso Topuridze, Geronti Alania and Data Akhalaia, who used to chair one of the most powerful bodies in the country –the constitutional security department of the interior ministry.

All three are wanted by Interpol, and their location is unknown.